Discrete organizers for a travel bag

ABSTRACT

A travel bag that is customizable to a user needs that allows a user to display the contents of a discrete organizer located in the bag in a simple manner. In particular, the bag has a flap and an extendable handle to which the flap may be coupled. The discreet organizer is fastened to an interior surface of the flap so that it is displayed when the flap is secured to the extended handle. The flap may be coupled to the extended handle by a fastener located on the flap or by a fastener located on the discrete organizer.

PRIORITY

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to Provisional Application U.S. Ser. No. 60/658,834 entitled “Discrete Organizer for a Travel Bag,” filed Mar. 24, 2005 attorney docket No. 47636.32. and Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/671,805 entitled “Discrete Organizers for a Travel Bag,” filed Apr. 15, 2005 attorney docket No. 47636.33 both of which are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference hereto.

BACKGROUND

Conventional bags come in many varieties. It is known to provide bags, whether they are travel bags or purses, with separate compartments to hold items. Often, many subcompartments are formed in a larger compartment provided by the interior of the bag itself. Oftentimes, it is desirable to separate certain items from other items, such as toiletries and cosmetics. It can be difficult to pack cosmetics and toiletries within a suitcase and have those products readily available to the user. In addition, known designs suffer from the inability to customize the interior of the bag so that it suits the user's needs.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a travel bag including a bottom panel, a front, back, first and second side panels and a flap. The bottom panel has a front edge, a back edge and a first and second side edge coupling the front edge to the back edge. The front panel is coupled to the front edge of the bottom panel, the back panel is coupled to the back edge of the bottom panel, the back panel having a top edge, the first side panel is coupled to the first side edge of the bottom panel and the second side panel is coupled to the second side edge of the bottom panel. The flap has a first edge coupled to the top edge of the back panel, the flap has side edges and a front edge that detachably couple to the first and second side panels and front panel respectively.

A telescoping handle is coupled to the back panel wherein the telescoping handle can be in a collapsed position or an extended position. The flap has a hook coupled to its front edge that can be coupled to the telescoping handle when the handle is in its extended position so that an interior surface of the flap is exposed and the flap is substantially parallel with the back panel. A removable organizer may be detachable coupled to the interior surface of the flap.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a travel bag including a body and a flap. The body defines a compartment and has an opening to provide access to the compartment. The flap is coupled to the body and has a free end which can be secured to the body to cover the opening. A handle is coupled to the body and extends away from the body wherein the free end of the flap when not secured to the bag can be coupled to the handle so that an interior surface of the flap is exposed. A removable organizer is coupled to the interior surface of the flap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective of a closed travel bag.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the suitcase shown in FIG. 1 open to expose the interior of the suitcase.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the suitcase shown in FIG. 1 with the organizers removed.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the suitcase shown in FIG. 1 with only one of the organizers removed.

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective of an organizer.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the suitcase shown in FIG. 1 with only one of the organizers removed according to another preferred embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective of an organizer used in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a top view of the suitcase shown in FIG. 1 with only one of the organizers removed according to another preferred embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a rear perspective of an organizer used in the embodiment shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a top view of the suitcase shown in FIG. 1 open to expose the interior of the suitcase.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a travel bag shown in an open position.

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of the travel bag shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a discrete organizer according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 shows a discrete organizer 108′ according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An organization system for a travel bag in which discrete organizer components may be utilized, and configured, as a user desires within the travel bag.

FIG. 1 is a perspective of a closed travel bag 10. In a preferred embodiment the travel bag is one that is commonly referred to as a Pullman type suitcase that has roller wheels on the bottom and a retractable handle at the top so that the traveler does not have to carry the suitcase but rather rolls it along. Any type of travel bag may be designed to accommodate the discrete organizers disclosed herein, and none of the embodiments are limited to the type of travel bag shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the suitcase shown in FIG. 1 open to expose the interior of the suitcase. As is well known, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the suitcase has a lid 12 which is secured to the remainder of the suitcase by a zipper or zippers. When unzippered, the suitcase opens like a book. Shown secured to the interior of the suitcase and the interior surface of the lid are discrete organizers 14, 14′, 14″. The discrete organizers are pouch-type units that have individual compartments 16 formed therein. The compartments are diverse in size and, preferably, have a closing mechanism so that its contents do not fall out of the compartment. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 the closing mechanism is a zipper 18 although it could also be other types of closing mechanisms such as snaps or Velcro, for example. In addition, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 one zipper is used in some instances to close multiple compartments, alternatively, each compartment may be provided with its own closing mechanism. The organizers shown on the interior surface of the lid are of the same size although they do not have to be. The organizer shown in the interior of the suitcase is about double the size of the organizers shown in the lid but it does not necessarily have to be. In addition, the larger organizer could be located on the interior surface of the lid as shown in FIG. 10 and the smaller organizers could be located in the interior of the suitcase as will be discussed hereinafter. Each organizer has loop or loops 20 that allows it be hung when removed from the suitcase.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the suitcase shown in FIG. 1 with the organizers removed. The interior surface of the lid and the interior of the suitcase are provided with a socket portion 22 of a snap fastener. As shown, the sockets are symmetrically arranged so that any of the organizers can be used in the lid or interior of the suitcase.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the suitcase shown in FIG. 1 with only one of the organizers removed. The traveler can configure the interior of her suitcase to accommodate her needs as she sees fit. In some instances, she may desire using only some of the organizers or only one of the organizers.

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective of an organizer 14. It can be seen that the organizer has a flat back panel 24 on which are located stud posts 26 of the snap fasteners that line up with the sockets on the interior of the lid or interior of the suitcase. The organizer is secured to either the interior surface of the lid or suitcase by lining up the stud posts with the sockets and applying enough pressure so that they snap together as is well known.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the suitcase shown in FIG. 1 with only one of the organizers removed according to another preferred embodiment. Instead of using snap fasteners, Velcro pads 28 are used to secure the organizers in the suitcase. FIG. 7 is a rear perspective of an organizer used in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6. It can be seen that the organizer has a flat back panel on which are located one portion of the Velcro pad 30 that line up with the other cooperating portion of the Velcro pad 28 on the interior of the lid or interior of the suitcase.

FIG. 8 is a top view of the suitcase shown in FIG. 1 with only one of the organizers removed according to another preferred embodiment. Instead of using snap fasteners, a zipper 32 is used to secure the organizers in the suitcase. FIG. 9 is a rear perspective of an organizer used in the embodiment shown in FIG. 8. It can be seen that the organizer has a flat back panel. Located around the periphery of the back panel is one half of the zipper, the other half of which is located on the interior of the lid or interior of the suitcase.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a travel bag 100 shown in an open position. The travel bag 100 has a telescoping handle 102 shown in its extended position. The travel bag 100 itself is in the shape of a duffel bag and has a main flap 104 that unzips to provide access to the interior of the bag 100. The flap 104 is shown attached to the handle 102 of the bag by a hook 106. Located on the interior of the flap 104 is a discrete organizer 108. A traveler can open the bag 100 by unzipping the flap 104 and attaching its end to the handle 102 by its hook 106 to expose the items contained in the discrete organizer. Preferably the interior surface of the flap 104 is provided with attachments such as sockets of snap fasteners, hook and loop closures commonly known as Velcro pads or zippers, and the discreet organizer is detachably secured to the interior of the flap 104 in a manner already described. FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of the travel bag shown in FIG. 11.

In particular, the bag has a bottom panel 200 that is parallel to the plane of the floor on which the bag is placed as shown in FIG. 11. The bottom panel has a front edge 202, a back edge 204, and a first and second side edge 206, 208 coupling the front edge 202 to the back edge 204. The bag 100 includes a front panel 210 coupled to the front edge 202 of the bottom panel 20, a back panel 212 coupled to the back edge 204 of the bottom panel 200. The back panel 212 has a top edge 214. The bag also includes a first side panel 216 coupled to the first side 206 of the bottom panel 200 and a second side panel 218 coupled to the second side 208 of the bottom panel 200. The flap 104 has a first edge 219 coupled to the top edge 214 of the back panel 212. The flap also has side edges 220 and a front edge 222 that detachably couple to the first and second side panels 216, 218 and the front panel 210, respectively. The telescoping handle 102 is coupled to the back panel 212 and can be in an extended position as shown or in a collapsed position. The discrete organizer 108 may have a fastener such as a hook 224 at one end that can be attached to the telescoping handle as shown. Other types of fasteners may be used instead of a hook, such as a tie, for example. Alternatively, the flap 103 may have a fastener at its front edge that can be coupled to the handle 102. Thus, when the handle is in its extended position, the interior surface of the flap 104 and thus the discrete organizer 108 is exposed and the flap 104 is substantially parallel with the back panel 212 as coupled to the handle either by a fastener on the flap or a fastener on the discrete organizer.

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a discrete organizer 108 according to an embodiment of the invention. The discrete organizer 108 has a plurality of storage pockets 110 located thereon. It also has a back panel (not shown) on which fasteners are located such as those shown in FIGS. 5, 7 and 9 that allow the discrete organizer 108 to be detachably coupled to the interior surface of the flap. The discrete organizer 108 has a strap 120 which is shown as attached to the handle of the travel bag but which allows the discrete organizer to be removed from the interior surface of the flap and hung on its own such as from a shower rod, or hook or door handle. FIG. 14 shows a discrete organizer 108′ according to an embodiment of the invention. This discrete organizer 108′ is smaller than that shown in FIG. 13. Located on the front surface of the discrete organizer 108 are fasteners (not shown) that allow the discreet organizer to be configured according to a traveler's needs. In particular, the smaller discrete organizer 108′ is designed to be detachably coupled to the front of the discrete organizer 108 as shown in FIG. 13.

In addition, the discrete organizers may have other configurations. The travel bag 100 shown in FIG. 11 allows a traveler to display items stored in the discrete organizer in a useful and convenient way. In addition, the traveler can remove the discrete organizer from the interior flap of the bag and hang it on its own. Furthermore, the discrete organizer can be folded as shown in FIG. 11 and placed in the bag.

Of course other ways of securing the organizers to the interior of a travel bag are included.

The organizers may be made of a clear plastic so that the traveler can see the items contained therein. Additionally, they may be made of a nylon netting, for example. Preferably they are washable and compliant. In addition, a pouch or compartment may be located on the flat back panel of an organizer to provide additional storage or a hidden compartment for valuables.

While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, it should be understood that various changes, adaptations and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims. 

1. A travel bag comprising: a bottom panel having a front edge, a back edge and a first and second side edge coupling the front edge to the back edge; a front panel coupled to the front edge of the bottom panel; a back panel coupled to the back edge of the bottom panel, the back panel having a top edge; a first side panel coupled to the first side edge of the bottom panel; a second side panel coupled to the second side edge of the bottom panel; a flap having a first edge coupled to the top edge of the back panel, the flap having side edges and a front edge that detachably couple to the first and second side panels and front panel respectively; and a telescoping handle coupled to the back panel wherein the telescoping handle can be in a collapsed position or an extended position, the flap having a hook coupled to the front edge that can be coupled to the telescoping handle when the handle is in its extended position so that an interior surface of the flap is exposed and the flap is substantially parallel with the back panel.
 2. The bag of claim 1 further comprising an organizer coupled to the interior surface of the flap.
 3. The bag of claim 2 further comprising a fastening mechanism for coupling the organizer to the interior of the flap so that the organizer may be removed from the interior surface of the flap.
 4. The bag of claim 3 wherein the fastening mechanism is a hook and loop closure on the interior surface of the flap which cooperate with complementary hook and look closure located on a back surface of the removable organizer.
 5. The bag of claim 3 wherein the organizer has a plurality of compartments located on a front surface.
 6. The bag of claim 3 wherein the fastening mechanism couples a plurality of organizers to the interior of the flap.
 7. The bag of claim 3 wherein the fastening mechanism is a snap having a socket portion and a stud portion wherein the socket position is located on the interior surface of the flap and the stud portion is located on a back surface of the organizer.
 8. The bag of claim 3 wherein the fastening mechanism is a zipper, one half of which is located on the interior surface of the flap and a complementary half of which is located around a periphery of the organizer.
 9. The bag of claim 3 wherein the organizer has a hook extending therefrom so that the organizer can be hung on its own when removed from the bag.
 10. The bag of claim 2 wherein the organizer has a plurality of compartments located on a first surface.
 11. The bag of claim 10 wherein the organizer has a compartment located on a second surface opposite the first surface.
 12. A travel bag comprising: a bottom panel having a front edge, a back edge and a first and a second side edge coupling the front edge to the back edge. a front panel coupled to the front edge of the bottom panel; a back panel coupled to the back edge of the bottom panel, the back panel having a top edge; a first side panel coupled to the first side edge of the bottom panel; a second side panel coupled to the second side edge of the bottom panel; a flap having a first edge coupled to the top edge of the back panel, the flap having side edges and a front edge that detachably couple to the first and second side panels and front panel respectively; a telescoping handle coupled to the back panel wherein the telescoping handle can be in a collapsed position or an extended position; an organizer coupled to the interior surface of the flap; and means for coupling the flap to the telescoping handle when the handle is in its extended position so that an interior surface of the flap is exposed and the flap is substantially parallel with the back panel.
 13. The bag of claim 12 wherein the organizer is removable from the interior surface of the flap.
 14. The bag of claim 12 further comprising a fastening mechanism for coupling the organizer to the interior to the flap.
 15. The bag of claim 14 wherein the fastening mechanism are hook and loop pads on the interior surface of the flap which cooperate with complementary hook and loop pads located on a back surface of the removable organizer.
 16. The bag of claim 12 wherein the organizer has a plurality of compartments located on a front surface.
 17. The bag of claim 14 wherein the fastening mechanism couples a plurality of organizers to the interior of the flap.
 18. The bag of claim 14 wherein the fastening mechanism is a snap having a socket portion and a stud portion wherein the socket portion is located on the interior surface of the flap and the stud portion is located on a back surface of the organizer.
 19. The bag of claim 14 wherein the fastening mechanism is a zipper, one half of which is located on the interior surface of the flap and a complementary half of which is located around a periphery of the organizer.
 20. The bag of claim 13 wherein the organizer has a hook extending therefrom so that the organizer can be hung on its own when removed from the bag.
 21. The bag of claim 12 wherein the means for coupling the flap to the handle comprises a hook located at the front edge of the flap.
 22. The bag of claim 12 wherein the means for coupling the flap to the handle comprises a hook located on the organizer.
 23. A travel bag comprising: a body defining a compartment, the body having an opening to provide access to the compartment; a flap coupled to the body, the flap having a free end which can be secured to the body to cover the opening; a handle coupled to the body and extending away from the body wherein the free end of the flap, when not secured to the bag, can be coupled to the handle so that an interior surface of the flap is exposed; and an organizer coupled to the interior surface of the flap.
 24. The bag of claim 23 wherein the organizer is removable.
 25. The bag of claim 23 further comprising a telescoping handle coupled to the body wherein the telescoping handle can be in an extended position or a collapsed condition; means for coupling the flap to the telescoping handle when the handle is in its extended position so that the interior surface of the flap is exposed.
 26. The bag of claim 25 wherein the means for coupling the flap to the handle comprises a hook located at the front edge of the flap.
 27. The bag of claim 25 wherein the means for coupling the flap to the handle comprises a hook located on the removable organizer.
 28. The bag of claim 23 further comprising a fastening mechanism located on the interior surface of the flap wherein the fastening mechanism are hook and loop pads on the interior surface of the flap which cooperate with complementary hook and loop pads located on a back surface of the organizer.
 29. The bag of claim 23 wherein the organizer has a plurality of compartments located on a front surface.
 30. The bag of claim 23 further comprising a fastening mechanism located on the interior surface of the flap wherein the fastening mechanism is a snap having a socket portion and a stud portion wherein the socket portion is located on the interior surface of the flap and the stud portion is located on a back surface of the organizer.
 31. The bag of claim 23 further comprising a fastening mechanism located on the interior surface of the flap wherein the fastening mechanism is a zipper, one half of which is located on the interior surface of the flap and a complementary half of which is located around a periphery of the organizer.
 32. The bag of claim 27 wherein the organizer has a hook extending therefrom so that the organizer can be hung on its own when removed from the bag. 